Christina Spade

EVP & CFO, Showtime Networks

Tasked with overseeing all financial matters and strategies for Showtime Networks and being a liaison between Showtime and CBS, Spade’s main focus lately has been on increasing revenue opportunities by expanding Showtime’s streaming services and growing the brand internationally. Spade doesn’t have to look far for compelling role models. “Perhaps I am a little biased but Showtime’s programming has strong female roles to which I strongly relate and enjoy watching—Carrie in ‘Homeland,’ Fiona in ‘Shameless,’ Vanessa in ‘Penny Dreadful.’  My all-time favorite female role portrayals are in CBS’ ‘The Good Wife’ —such poignant and thoughtful writing, amazing!”

What advice would you give your 13-year-old self? 

Be confident in the successful person you are becoming.  Listen to the endeavoring voice within and drown out the skeptical and anxious one.  It took me a while to master this but it was with me all along!

Which current programming best reflects the kind of women’s roles you like to see and why? 

Perhaps I am a little biased but Showtime’s programming has strong female roles to which I strongly relate and enjoy watching – Carrie in “Homeland,” Fiona in “Shameless,” Vanessa in “Penny Dreadful.”  My all-time favorite female role portrayals are in CBS’ “The Good Wife” – such poignant and thoughtful writing, amazing!

What’s been the biggest story in cable this year? 

The merger of Charter and Time Warner Cable has created a formidable number two player in Cable distribution.  With our must-subscribe content, Showtime is well-positioned to succeed in this important time of consolidation and heightened customer service in the Cable industry.